First, it will reaffirm the notion that it is each individual's - not society's - responsibility to look after his parents. Singapore is still conservative enough that most people will not object to this idea. It reinforces the traditional values and it doesn't hurt a society now and then to remind itself of its core values.
Second, and more important, it will make those who are inclined to shirk their responsibilities think twice. Until now, if a person asked family elders, clergymen or the Ministry of Community Development to help get financial support from his children, the most they could do was to mediate. But mediators have no teeth, and a child could simply ignore their pleas.
But to be sued by one's parents would be a massive loss of face. It would be a public disgrace. Few people would be so thick-skinned as to say, "Sue and be damned". The hand of the conciliator would be immeasurably strengthened. It is far more likely that some sort of amicable settlement would be reached if the recalcitrant son or daughter knows that the alternative is a public trial.
It would be nice to think Singapore doesn't need this kind of law. But that belief ignores the clear demographic trends and the effect of affluence itself on traditional bends. Those of us who pushed for the bill will consider ourselves most successful if it acts as an incentive not to have it invoked in the first place.
78. The Maintenance of Parents Bill
A. received unanimous support in the Singapore Parliament
B. was believed to solve all the problems of the elderly poor
C. was intended to substitute for traditional values in Singapore
D. was passed to make the young more responsible to the old
79. By quoting the growing percentage points of the aged in the population, the author seems to imply that __
A. the country will face mounting problems of the old in future
B. the social welfare system would be under great pressure
C. young people should be given more moral education
D. the old should be provided with means of livelihood
80. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
A. Filial responsibility in Singapore is enforced by law.
B. Fathers have legal obligations to look after their children.
C. It is an acceptable practice for the old to continue working.
D. The Advisory Council was dissatisfied with the problems of the old
Part V. Translation.(25%)
Section A. Translate the following texts" into English. Write your translation on ANSWER SHEET TWO.
1．在德翁(Professor Ronald Dworkin)眼里，他接触的中国知识份子是一批典型的机会主义分子——他们假装没有看到中国现实的人权状况：他们精通世故，只淡大而无当的抽象话题，小心翼翼地自我检索言论，以免惹恼政府；他们在外国人面前众口一词地对中国的前景表示乐观：他们甚至沾沾自喜地认为自己享有政府默许的特权——只要不格，就比一般民众有更多的自由发牢骚。德翁是一个让价值判断支配视觉的人，他的道德哲学使他无法认同这样一批中国崇拜者。——他们努力在德翁面前显得象自由主义者，却缺乏自由主义者应有的道德责任。
